Cincinnati (Week 16)

The Steelers started their preparations for this Saturday’s game against the Bengals. Mason Rudolph got most of the 1st team reps on the offensive side, while Kenny Pickett was listed as “limited.” This is a slightly encouraging sign but still does not paint a picture of his availability for Saturday. If I had to guess, he will be the backup and Mitch the emergency QB3. It is no secret that at this point the Steelers season hangs in the balance. I do see several reasonable paths to the playoffs with a win this weekend. A loss may be too much to overcome at this point. Nevertheless, I continue to be optimistic and hopeful that they “right the ship” this weekend and get a much needed win. Sitting at 8-7 going into the last 2 weeks is where they want to be, its where they need to be. A win would almost certainly remove Cincinnati from playoff contention, and who knows what Indy, Houston, and Buffalo do over next few weeks.

I am very curious to see Kenny Pickett’s participation level in practice tomorrow. If its limited again or full, I will start feeling more excited that maybe he will play. Don’t give up Steeler fans! In the new setup of 7 playoff teams, no 10 win team has missed the playoffs. We can still get to 10. There is a lot of football left to be played.

Go Steelers.